If a Marine does not pass the height and weight standards, he/she will be given the Circumference Tape Test that is a measurement of the neck and stomach. Using a body fat percentage algorithm, as long as the Marines are below the following body fat percentages, they are within the standard:

Note: Many Marines are heavy on muscle / lower on body fat and the current height / weight standards do not accurately reflect someone with more muscle than body fat.

If a Marine Fails: All Marines are required to maintain their weight/body fat in accordance with Marine Corps standards. Marines who weigh more than allowed on the charts linked below must undergo a body-fat measurement. Those who are over the Marine Corps body-fat standards are enrolled in the Body Composition Program (BCP).

Every Marine must be physically fit, regardless of age, grade, or duty assignment. Marines are required to pass a semi-annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

The Marine Corps has developed a Combat Fitness Test (CFT), that all Marines must pass, in addition to the standard Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The grading system for theMarine Corps CFT establish points for these events, and they will count toward Marine Corps promotion points, just as the PFT currently does.

The Marine Corps CFT consists of the following events:

880 Yard Run. Marines will run for 880 yards while wearing boots and camouflage uniform (pants and t-shirt).

Ammo Can Lifts. Marines will lift a 30 pound ammo can from the ground, over their heads as many times as they can in two minutes.

Manuever Under Fire. Marines must move through a 300 yard course, and perform designated tasks, in the time limit authorized. The tasks include:

Moving in a quick scurry for 10 yards, then a high craw for another 15 yards.

Drag a casualty for 10 yards, while zigzagging through several cones. Then lift the casualty and carry him/her at a run for 65 yards.

Carry two 30-pound ammo cans for 75 yards, while zigzagging through a series of cones.

Toss a dummy grenade 22 1/2 yards and land it in a marked target circle.

Perform three push-ups, pick up the two 30-pound cans and sprint to the finish line.